Northgate Living Magazine October 2019

Mailed Directly to Northgate Residents and Published Online

OC T OBER 2 019

Northgate LIVING

M E E T T HE

Ygnacio Valley Library Staff COVER PHOTO:

by Julie Cheshire Photography

East Bay Walk to End Alzheimer’s 2019

By Deanna Wong, Walk to End Alzheimer’s Marketing Committee Join us for the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s— the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Walk to End Alzheimer’s unites the entire community in a display of combined strength and dedication in the fight against this devastating disease. When you participate in Walk, your fundraising dollars fuel our mission-related initiatives and your actions both through fundraising and participating in the event, help to change the level of awareness in your community.

This year’s Walk will take place on

Saturday, October 29, 2019 at Bishop Ranch in San Ramon.

More than 5.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only disease among the top 10 causes that cannot be cured, prevented or even slowed. In Contra Costa County alone, there are over 20,000 people living with the disease and and that number is expected to increase by as much as 85% by 2030.

Want to get involved?

Register today! Sign up as a Team Captain, join a team or register to walk as an individual at act.alz.org/Eastbay2019

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OCTOBER 2019

We Are Now Online!!

Publication Team Publisher: Jo Peek

Content Coordinator: Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991 Designer: Emily Lund Contributing Photographer: Julie Cheshire

Advertising

Dear Neighbors,

www.NorthgateLivingCA.com

Whether you love football, the race to the World Series, the new fall TV season, the holiday blockbusters on the horizon, or the oodles of new books to devour, October is a good time to be a fan. I can’t be the only one tempted to spend a day on the couch with a bowl of popcorn.

I love October in Northgate when the beautiful fall colors are in full swing, the houses are decorated with ghosts and goblins, and we get to see the neighborhood kids in their costumes.

Feedback/Ideas/Submissions:

This month we’re doing something a little different with our feature story and taking a closer look at one of our community’s biggest assets: our Ygnacio Valley Library. Meet some of the people that make it a friendly gathering place for all. Our community calendar has lots of fun suggestions on how to celebrate the changing of the seasons to the fullest.

Have feedback, ideas, or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia. com and click “Submit Content.”

You may also email your thoughts, ideas, and photos to: Knavolio@bestversionmedia.com.

We are devoted to sharing stories, events and news among our neighbors in this wonderful community. If you have a story, event or news to share, please email me at knavolio@ bestversionmedia.com. Follow us online at www.NorthgateLivingCA.com, or on Facebook and Instagram.

Contact: Jo Peek Email: JPeek@bestversionmedia.com

Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2019 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

Fondly,

Kara Navolio Northgate Living Content Coordinator Resident Since 1991

NORTHGATE LIVING 3

Expert Contributor

Reversal of Aging?

By Paul H. Kim MD, Medical Institute of Healthy Aging

T

ales of the “Fountain of Youth” have been part of our ancient lore for thousands of years.

Herodotus in the 5th Century BC, Alexander the Great romances in the 3rd century AD, and Prester John in the 11th/12th century AD as part of the crusades are only some of the references in history to a water product that is meant to restore health and youth. Of course, probably the most famous one of these tales is of the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon, and the so-called “Fountain of Youth” in the sixteenth century.

Recently, an article from September 2019 in Aging Cell references a “cocktail” of products that has been found in limited study to reverse an “epigenetic clock”(the epigenome is the complete description of all the chemical modifications to DNA that turn on and off genes) in our body. This was a very limited study of nine healthy volunteers between the age of 51 and 65 who were followed for 1 year after taking a cocktail of product. What they found was quite surprising.

On average, these subjects were found to have shed 2.5 years of their biological aging. The participants’ immune systems also were showing signs of being rejuvenated.

According to the one of the lead authors, geneticist Steve Horvath,

they had expected maybe a slowing down of the clock – but what they achieved was a reversal, which is quite remarkable. The study is very limited, very small, and not well controlled. But it is still promising that products given may actually not only slow aging, but also reverse aging!

Please come to Medical Institute of Healthy Aging to discuss this concept and others to help improve your aging process.

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OCTOBER 2019

Expert Contributors Happy Holidays!

To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Jo Peek at jpeek@bestversionmedia.com.

Active Seniors

The Heritage Downtown is “the” Bay Area’s #1 Active Senior Living Apartments, focused on providing the highest Quality of Life for each and every one of its residents. The Heritage Downtown promotes, facilitates and encourages our residents to continue to lead a Full Active Life in Retirement. The Heritage Downtown is beautifully and conveniently located in Downtown Walnut Creek.

Healthy Aging Medicine

Dr. Kim graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and the Temple University School of Medicine. He completed a Family Medicine Residency at the Carle Clinic in Champaign, Illinois. He started in private practice in Clayton, CA. However, frustrated with the reactive form of medicine, Dr. Kim went for additional training and is now board-certified in Anti-Aging Medicine and in Obesity Medicine. Dr. Kim now practices a more proactive approach to medicine known as Valengerontology (Healthy Aging Medicine). Dr. Kim lives in Danville with his wife and 2 children.

Insurance

Vanessa Sisemore, owner of a Farmers Insurance agency since 2016, grew up in Walnut Creek and received her college degree from UNLV in 2006. She is the loving wife to Isaac of 7 years and mother to 3-year-old daughter Mckenzie. After working for Farmers for 8 years, Vanessa is proud to serve people in the community that have given her so much.

Jewelry, Diamonds & Timepieces

Steve and Judy Padis own and operate Padis Jewelry, which has four locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. They founded the company in 1974 and are proud to have earned a reputation as one of the finest jewelers in San Francisco, serving generations of clients for their most precious moments in life, from engagement to anniversary to milestone gifts. Padis Jewelry maintains top-tier relationships with the most sought-after designers including Tacori, Forevermark, Verragio, Breitling, Tag Heuer, and Roberto Coin. As members of the American Gem Society, Padis is among the top 5% of jewelers across the country.

Plastic Surgery

Dr. Vivian Ting (Veritas Plastic Surgery) is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Walnut Creek, California in practice since 2003. She specializes in cosmetic rejuvenation of the face, breast augmentation and body contouring as well as reconstruction for breast and skin cancer. Her philosophy is to combine proven surgical techniques with the best in technology to achieve superior results and high patient satisfaction.

Real Estate

Rita has been a Northgate resident and selling neighborhood properties for over 25 years. She’s received numerous awards including being nominated as Realtor of the Year by the East Bay Business Times, previously ranked the #64 Realtor in America by the Wall Street Journal/REAL Trends, previously ranked the #1 Realtor in Contra Costa County, and ranked the #1 Realtor in Northgate for total sales volume over many years.

Rodent Proofing

Anthony and Mike are the owners of Honest Rodent Proofing Inc. They have over 25 years of combined experience in business ownership, marketing/sales, and in the pest control industry. Mike lives in the Sacramento area with his wife and three girls. Anthony lives in Walnut Creek with his wife and three kids. In our business there are 3 simple rules we live by. One, treat every home as if it was your own. Two, Honesty and transparency is the only way to conduct business. Three, Family is not an important thing, it’s everything!

We are a family here at Honest and our customers are part of that family.

Tree Service

From the diagnostic of tree problems, to pruning, cabling and bracing, tree removal, stump grinding and planting of new trees, Traverso Tree Service, Inc is here for all of your tree care needs. We’re a local business proud to have been serving the community for over 30 years.

Wealth Management & Financial Planning

David and Frank started Nissim & Gavidia Wealth Management & Financial Planning, LLC to give their clients the flexibility and independence that they deserve. They pride themselves in working with families and understanding their long terms goals, from retirement to setting things up for the next generation by removing emotions from investing and taking the time to understand their client’s individual needs.

Jenny Shively The Heritage Downtown www.theheritagedowntown.com (925) 943-7427

Mention this ad to learn more about our

New Year 2018 Move-In Special!

Place a holding deposit before January 1st & The Heritage Downtown will donate $1,000 to the Charity of your Choice this Holiday Season!

Discover the Almond / Shuey Neighborhood, Home to our Boutique, Condo-Style Senior-Living Community!

Call 925.943.7427

to learn more, and to schedule your visit!

www.TheHeritageDowntown.com 1785 Shuey Avenue

(off of Bonanza & California)

Paul H. Kim, MD Medical Institute of Healthy Aging (925) 979-0979 www.mdiha.com Vanessa Sisemore Vanessa Sisemore Insurance Agency (925) 943-6762 vsisemore@farmersagent.com www.farmersagent.com/vsisemore Steve Padis Steve Padis Jewelry info@padisjewelry.com www.padisjewelry.com

Dr. Vivian Ting Veritas Plastic Surgery (925) 949-8587 www.viviantingmd.com Rita Dhillon Compass Real Estate 925.570.1010 Rita.Dhillon@compass.com www.RitaDhillonTeam.com Mike Scott and Anthony Lozano Honest Rodent Proofing 925-433-3988 customercare@honestrodentproofing.com www.honestrodentproofing.com John Traverso Traverso Tree Service 925-930-7901 traversotree@gmail.com www.traversotree.com

David Nissim & Frank Gavidia Nissim & Gavidia Wealth Management & Financial Planning, LLC David (925) 239-0117 Frank (925) 239-0116 DavidNissim@NissimGavidia.com FrankGavidia@NissimGavidia.com www.NissimGavidia.com

Find us online NorthgateLivingCA www.NorthgateLivingCA.com

NORTHGATE LIVING 5

Resident Feature

Meet the Ygnacio Valley Library Staff

By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991

A

s the days grow shorter and the mornings crisper, thoughts of falling leaves and rainy days make me daydream of curling up with a great book. My next great read usually comes from the library. And so, it seems the perfect time of year to take a closer look at one of our community’s biggest assets: The Ygnacio Valley Library and the people who work there.

The YV Library was dedicated on Sept. 13, 1975, making it part of our neighborhood for 44 years now. The property was donated by Mrs. Nellie G. Casey in memory of her husband Thurman Casey. The Caseys owned 53 acres in the Ygnacio Valley, growing walnuts. They sold most of the property to developers, where many of our homes sit now.

The library supports the entire community and is much more than a place to get great books. It offers lectures, author talks, story times, a meeting room, online access, and a plethora of services like free museum tickets, free access to Ancestry.com, and movies.

Michael Beller, the manager at the YV Library, says, “Over the years, the library has expanded its roles. It’s still a place where you can find the books you want to read, the information that you need to have, and help to find both, but now the library is also a community hub where you can find interesting lectures, helpful workshops, useful electronic resources and pursue life-long learning.”

Michael joined the YV Library two years ago, but has been with other libraries for 28 years including the Stanford University Library and Mills College Library. He’s an Oakland A’s fan, loves lunchtime walks in our open space and often sports one of his many interesting bow ties. He can recite the history of polka dots and loves working with library patrons and staff to come up with programs that best support our community.

Elsie, Adult and Teen Services Librarian, has spent 20 years with Contra Costa Libraries from Brentwood to Hercules to Danville.

The friendly YV Library staff is ready to help, from left to right: Matthew, Stephen, Lori, Michael, Dawn, Elsie and Jason

She has Master’s Degrees in Folklore and Library Science, loves reading and is responsible for outreach to schools and community organizations. She’s also an excellent resource for research.

Tom, the Children’s Services Librarian, is a Bay Area native with his Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from San Jose State. He has been with the Contra Costa Libraries for 10 years, most of that time at the Walnut Creek branch. He enjoys the friendly neighborhood vibe of the YV Library and hosting storytime for toddlers every week.

Marie is a Library Assistant and coordinates the volunteers for the YV branch. She came to her library career six years ago, having previously worked at Lucky Supermarkets and as a 911 dispatcher in Richmond.

She was the first in her family to earn a college degree, a B.S. in Health Education. She enjoys the lovely, walk-able neighborhood and all the great lunch spots. Marie says, “And a huge thank you to all the patrons who stop by to bring us treats! The library staff love all the goodies!”

Stephen, also a Library Assistant, has been in his library career for 20 years, and 3 years at YV. He runs the After School Homework Help program. Fun facts to know about Stephen are that he was once King Walnut at the annual Walnut Festival and plays the drums. His band once opened for the The Bangles, a pop rock band famous for its 1987 hit “Walk Like an Egyptian.”

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OCTOBER 2019

All who work at the YV Library enjoy being part of this community.

Michael adds, “Come visit! And ask us what you might be missing.

We have so many resources, both physical and digital. There is

YV Library Staff’s Favorite Books

Michael: The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster Elsie: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Tom: The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi Marie: Aztec by Gary Jennings Stephen: No favorite but two come close: Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut and A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole Suzanne: East of Eden by John Steinbeck Lori: The Beauty Within by Derek Wogsland RA 40 0

Lori is a Library Clerk whose focus is Customer Service. She has been with the YV branch for 18 years. “Long enough,” she says, “to see area toddlers grow into well-educated young adults.” She provides artrelated programs and bus tours for patrons interested in the arts. She raised four amazing kids and now has 5 incredible grandchildren, one of which illustrated the book The Beauty Within, written by her son.

almost certainly something that you don’t know we have that would make you very happy. Our calendar of events is available online at http://ccclib.org and in paper form at the library desk.”

K POR T

Suzanne, a Library Clerk, has been with the YV library for 15 months. Prior to that, she was in Construction Administration for 20 years. She is proud of starting a new career in her 50’s; the library is her happy place.

“When I look out and see everyone absorbed in what they are doing, whether it is working together or studying alone it [the library] feels vibrant and full of life and new possibilities.”

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KODA

Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at knavolio@bestversionmedia.com.

K POR T

RA 40 0

IT’S MORE THAN A HOME. IT’S YOUR LIFE.

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KODA

Our neighborhood is the perfect place for trick-or-treating in Walnut Creek. But over the past few years, it seems like kids have had to skip more and more homes to get to the treats!

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To get more porch lights on this year, I would love to drop off a bag of candy to the first 100 Northgate residents that sign up at jongomez.realestate/candy by October 27th.

K POR T

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DRE 01945685

Learn more about me at jongomez.realestate

KODA

Jon Gomez @yogomez 925.464.3027 jgomez@climbRE.com

RA 40 0

Just don’t eat it all yourself!

NORTHGATE LIVING 7

Pet Adoption Corner

Harrison

Josephine

Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 6 pm Wednesday & Thursday, Noon to 7 pm Friday, and Noon to 6 pm Saturday & Sunday.

Four-year-old Harrison is a unique, lovably quirky guy who lives life to the fullest! This silly, active charmer has a knack for making tons of friends (be they human, canine or feline), and he’s been known to draw smiles from all who see him happily bouncing down the sidewalk during a sunny afternoon stroll! For those looking to adopt a dog with a wonderful sense of humor and an abundance of personality, look no further – Harrison’s quite a character!

Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www. arflife.org, or call (925) 256-1ARF.

The adoption fee for puppies <6 months is $300, for adult dogs is $250, and includes a discount on the first six-week session of a manners class.

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Eleven-year-old Josephine, whose nicknames are Josie or Jo Jo, is a mellow and beautiful lady-cat with a gentle purrsonality who is looking for a quiet home with a comfy couch and a person to snuggle up against. She loves to be stroked and given attention and she enjoys having her long beautiful fur brushed. Josie may be in her golden years, but you’d never know it by her youthful appearance. She’s still as lovely as can be and has plenty of years of love and affection to give her new family.

The adoption fee for kittens <6 months $125 ($200 for 2) and for adult cats is $75 ($100 for 2).

OCTOBER 2019

Active Listings Address List Price 123 Brodia Way 117 Brodia Way 2484 Deer Valley Ln 418 Golf Ct 2873 Brian Ranch Ct 616 Harrogate Ct 245 Tamarisk Dr

$2,395,000 $2,350,000 $2,050,000 $1,695,500 $1,689,000 $1,375,000 $1,350,000

Pending Listings Address List Price 3707 Northgate Woods Ct 2060 Shell Ridge Trl 3708 Northgate Woods 888 Castle Rock Rd 777 Bayswater Ct 650 Castle Rock Rd 540 Hillrise Pl

$2,798,000 $2,225,000 $1,700,000 $1,699,000 $1,500,000 $1,499,900 $1,469,000

Sold Listings Address List Price 35 Tierra Verde Ct 4215 Arbolado Dr 705 Snyder Ln 504 Sturbridge Ct 861 Stonehaven Dr

$2,498,000 $1,775,000 $1,598,000 $1,588,000 $1,299,000

BD 5 5 4 4 4 4 5

BD 4 5 5 4 5 4 5

BD 5 5 5 5 5

BT

SQFT

4.5 4.5 3 3 3.5 2.5 3

4,664 4,381 4,457 3,775 2,830 2,466 2,720

BT

SQFT

4.5 2.5 4.5 2.5 3 3 3

4,623 3,900 4,306 2,369 3,205 3,253 2,686

BT

SQFT

5.5 3 3.5 3.5 3

5,000 3,225 3,370 3,267 2,366

DOM 2 12 3 7 7 17 10

Real Estate Listings in Northgate 9/10/2019

DOM 105 56 17 45 32 28 7

DOM 94 2 4 10 16

Sold Price $2,350,000 $1,775,000 $1,620,000 $1,600,000 $1,300,000

Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. Any real estate agentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ad appearing in this magazine is separate from any statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.

NORTHGATE LIVING 9

October CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sat., Oct. 12

Community Service Day @Locations all around Walnut Creek Join your neighbors and volunteer your time to help nonprofits, community groups, and public entities with projects they need completed.

Time: 9am-2:30pm (2.5 hour shifts) www.walnut-creek.org

Sat., Oct. 12

Walnut Creek Downtown History Tour @Fountain at Liberty Bell Plaza (corner of Broadway and Mt. Diablo) Visit the past in downtown Walnut Creek on a tour sponsored by the Walnut Creek Historical Society. This easy 90-minute guided walking tour on city sidewalks brings to life the early times of Walnut Creek revealing surprises about places we walk over, under, or by without realizing the stories they have to tell about Walnut Creek history. Offered the 2nd Saturday of the month, March through October.

Cost: Free Time: 9:30-11am www.wchistory.com or 925-935-7871

Wed., Oct. 16

Live from the Library! – Author of Raised in the Shadow of the Bomb

Live! From the Library presents D. Leah Steinberg, author of Raised in the Shadow of the Bomb: Children of the Manhattan Project, a unique account of the impact of being raised by parents who worked at the Manhattan Project. Part memoir, part discussions with her siblings and cousins, and part interviews with other children of scientists who worked on the project. Steinberg will explain how her book developed and read a few selections. Registration suggested.

Cost: Free Time: 7-8:30pm www.wclibrary.com

Sat., Oct. 19

Public Art Walking Tour @Lesher Center for the Arts on the plaza The Bedford Gallery offers one hour docent-led walking tours of Walnut Creek’s wonderful downtown public art collection every third Saturday, April through November. Our Docents are trained by public art specialists and can offer information and insight appropriate for all ages. Wear comfortable shoes & sun screen. Reservations not required.

Cost: $5 – cash only Time: 11am-12pm www.walnut-creek.org

Sat., Oct. 19

Oktoberfest @Civic Park Join us in the biergarten or on the dance floor for the 5th annual Oktoberfest in Walnut Creek. It’s a great place to show off your dirndl dress or don the lederhosen (not mandatory!). This free, day-long, family-friendly event recreates the beloved German fall celebration. OktoberfestWC includes live entertainment, music, dancing, arts & crafts, Bier Garden with dozens of craft beers, international music, Kinder Platz Kids Zone, gourmet food booths and over 40 vendors.

Cost: Free admission Time: 11am-6pm www.walnutcreekdowntown.com

Sat., Oct. 19

Friends of Ygnacio Valley Library Book Sale @ Ygnacio Valley Library Come find your next read and more at the Friends of the Ygnacio Valley Library Book Sale.

Time: 10am-5pm www.ccclib.org

Sun., Oct. 20

Bay Area Kids Book Fair @Acalanes High School, Lafayette Join famous stars of classic children’s literature: Pete the Cat, Elephant & Piggie and Spider-Man. Meet authors, illustrators, publishers and book sellers. Two Storytelling areas all day, free cooking & arts activities. Free parking and admission.

Cost: Free Time: 10am – 3pm www.bayareakidsbookfair.com

Fri., Oct. 25

Trick or Treat Downtown Walnut Creek @Begin at City Hall Plaza Calling all goblins, superheroes, princesses & witches! You’re invited to creep through downtown collecting Halloween treats from participating businesses while you visit booths and businesses. Ages 12 and under only.

Cost: Free Time: 2-5pm www.walnutcreekdowntown.com

Every Monday

Picture Book Time @Ygnacio Valley Library Helps build kindergarten readiness using longer books, flannel board stories, songs, crafts and other literacy building activities for ages 3-5.

Cost: FREE Time: 10:15-11am www.ccclib.org/ygnaciovalley.html

Every Saturday

Farmers’ Market @Shadelands Business Park Farmers bring their best from the nearby farming areas, kid’s craft corner, live music.

Time: 9am-1pm www.cafarmersmkts.com/ diablo-valley-farmers-market

Save the Date…

Wed., Nov. 6

Ygnacio Valley Book Group @Ygnacio Valley Library All are welcome to drop in and join the discussion. This month’s book is Evicted: poverty and profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond.

Cost: Free Time: 6:30-7:45pm www.ccclib.org/ygnaciovalley.html 10

OCTOBER 2019

NORTHGATE LIVING 11

Charity Spotlight

Save your Spot in the 7th Annual NARI of Diablo Valley Charity Golf Tournament Benefiting Police and Fire: The Fallen Heroes

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oin NARI of Diablo Valley at the 7th Annual Charity Golf Tournament held at Boundary Oak Golf Course in Walnut Creek on October 11, 2019. Your participation will help benefit Police and Fire: The Fallen Heroes, a local nonprofit organization committed to honoring and supporting the families of those law enforcement and fire service personnel who, in the performance of their duties, paid the ultimate sacrifice for the California Communities they served.

For sponsorship information and/or golfer registration, contact Christine Cummings-Walters at 925-7595237, or by email at chapterexec@naridiablovalley. org or visit www.naridiablovalley.org.

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OCTOBER 2019

Your Community Library

From Diablo Valley to the Land of Saints and Scholars: Pen Pal Postcard Playtime

By Michael Beller, Community Library Manager

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ver the next couple of months, the Ygnacio Valley Library is partnering with the Portadown Library in Northern Ireland on an exciting project to expand the worlds and minds of young patrons in both libraries. We’re establishing a Pen Pal Project! Both libraries will be supplying postcards to grade school age patrons and asking them to write down their thoughts on their favorite books, their favorite things to do, foods they like, etc. Then, roughly once a month, both libraries will send each other a package filled with postcards for programs, display, admiration, and consideration. It will be a great way to learn more about our friends in Northern Ireland and for them to learn about us.

At the Ygnacio Valley Library, look for the table with postcards and pens and then find your favorite postcard to fill out. If you already

Ireland

have a postcard that you would like to use, feel free to bring it. No postage is needed as all of the postcards will be sent in a package with the postage paid by the Friends of the Ygnacio Valley Library.

The Friends of the Ygnacio Valley Library will also be providing a coupon for a free children’s book to each postcard writer! Those coupons can be redeemed at any of the Friends’ Quarterly Booksales.

To learn more about the Portadown Library, check out their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/PortadownLibrary/ If you have any questions, or you would like to learn more about the Ygnacio Valley Library, you can check out our Facebook page, or you can come visit us! Monday through Thursday, we’re open 10-8, and we’re open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10-6. Our phone number is 925 938-1481. We would love to hear from you.

NORTHGATE LIVING 13

1401 N. BROADWAY SUITE 120 WALNUT CREEK â&#x20AC;¢ 925-322-8266

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OCTOBER 2019

Show us your best shot Fall is in the air! Have you seen this friendly neighborhood character who changes with the seasons?

Send us your favorite photos from around the neighborhood and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll add it here!

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We want to hear from you!

We are looking for stories from you, our Northgate residents. Some of the columns we'd like to add are: Travel (Where have you been recently? Share your trip with us!)

Book Reviews Acts of Kindness Non-profit Spotlight Show Us Your Best

Shot (photography) Gardening Hobbies Pet of the Month Local Hikes Northgate High School Junior Reporter More ...

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to submit something, or have any questions, please email knavolio@bestversionmedia.com

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Charity Spotlight

Diablo Valley Assistance League’s Teen Chapter provides students with a way to give back

By Jadyn Brandt, Resident since 2000

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he Diablo Valley Assistance League is a nonprofit volunteer organization that focuses on giving back to the community in a number of handson and financial ways. The Assisteens Auxiliary is a branch of the organization specifically for teenagers in grades 7 through 12. Comprised of up to 60 members selected through an application process, Assisteens works to fundraise for and put on events in Diablo Valley communities.

Members are given the chance to plan and execute new events each year as well as taking part in 3 yearly events; two holiday parties for the children of Meadow Homes Elementary--one in winter, one in spring-- and the Fashion Show and Tea fundraiser. All three events are run by students in the Assisteens program with the guiding help of Assistance League members. Students also run meetings, hold leadership positions, work shifts in the Way Side Inn Thrift Shop, and take part in other projects benefiting individuals of all ages, from elementary school children through homebound seniors.

Not only does the Assisteens program benefit the community, but it also greatly benefits those within the program. Assisteens allows members to explore a multitude of charitable causes and allows individuals to cultivate a passion for specific causes. Assisteens is a chance to give back to parts of the community that many members may not encounter on their own.

2018 was my last year in Assisteens and as a group, we chose to put the money we raised throughout the year towards the chapter’s Foster Youth Scholarship Program. I had very little knowledge of the foster care system at the time as it wasn’t a very visible issue in our area. Thankfully, Assistance League members invited staff members of the Contra Costa County Independent Living Skills Program to speak with us about the problems surrounding foster care and foster youth. The information provided to us by the CCCILSP shined a light on a commonly overlooked issue and personally inspired me to make foster care reform the topic of my senior project that same year. The more I learned about the foster care system the more impassioned I became in my belief that the system needs a change. Foster care reform continues to be something I consider incredibly important, and I hope to continue spreading awareness through conversation and writing. For me, Assisteens started as a way to do my part for my community in small ways and ended as a gateway to a passion for change on a larger level.

I would whole-heartedly recommend joining Assisteens to any teenager looking to make a difference in our community. For more information about this wonderful program visit https://www. assistanceleague.org/diablo-valley/volunteer/assisteens/.

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Recipe

Pizza by Lisa

By Lisa Assoni, Resident since 2016

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t all begins with a good crust. My top pick was this rectangular shaped pizza crust---Two in a pack. It was the perfect pallet for creating a fresh veggie pizza. It’s already baked and ready to top with your favorite foods.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees • 1 prepared pizza crust, Brooklynbred brand preferred (can be found at Safeway) • 1 fresh carrot, thinly sliced • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced • 1/2 green and red peppers, thinly sliced • 1 homegrown tomato, slice thin (best) • 1 small zucchini, sliced thin • Top with diced, green onions • Cover with 1 cup shredded cheese, (pick your favorite) Place pizza on cookie sheet. Cover in foil. Add to hot oven and bake 20 minutes. Uncover and cook an additional 12 minutes, until crust looks crispy, and vegetables are soft.

Slice, serve and eat. This is so delicious, hearty, and healthy.

There’s nothing like a good piece of pizza to lift your mood!

Ciao, The ShortCut Cook

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NORTHGATE LIVING 19

20

OCTOBER 2019